Jason Pritchard

A regional manager of Banbury-based charity Adoption UK has raised around £500 after completing a sponsored trek along Hadrian’s Wall.

Helen King is the charity’s regional manager for the North East and Yorkshire, and finished the two-day challenge on Sunday.

Helen King, a regional manager for Banbury-based charity Adoption UK, trekked 30 miles along Hadrian's Wall last Friday and got the chance to see some stunning scenery. NNL-150618-172907001

She signed up to the trek in January and in preparation for the 30-mile walk she endured a five-month boot camp, losing five stone in weight.

She said: “To some this may not be a mean feat, but to me, a very overweight woman, it was a massive challenge. I’d started a fitness programme with a local transformation gym and this trek was to be my first fitness goal to aim for.

“I’m an adoptive mum to two wonderful children, so fundraising for Adoption UK was a no-brainer. They have a valuable and essential source of information to support me and my wife - from our initial questions about adoption right through to where we are now, and we will continue to turn to Adoption UK for support over the years as our children grow up.”

After watching several Youtube videos of people trekking the wall and speaking to friends who were keen walkers, Mrs King trekked along the wall last Friday, and said it both mentally and physically challenging.

Helen King, a regional manager for Banbury-based charity Adoption UK, trekked 30 miles along Hadrian's Wall last Friday and got the chance to see some stunning scenery. NNL-150618-172921001

She added: “I enjoyed the trek more than I could have ever imagined! Although there were a few sections of the trek that were difficult such as negotiating the steep crag paths that went on for miles and walking through herds of cows with young calves, I did it!

“I had prepared myself for the physical challenge but I’d not even considered how mentally challenging it would be. When my body was exhausted and aching at the end of the first day and I couldn’t wait to get back to base camp, it was the thoughts of my children, other adoptive families out there and the work that Adoption UK does that helped keep me going.

“The feeling of accomplishment I had when I saw the finish banner was overwhelming.”

Although her body is taking time to recover from the trek, Mrs King has so far raised vital funds for the charity.

Helen King, a regional manager for Banbury-based charity Adoption UK, trekked 30 miles along Hadrian's Wall last Friday and got the chance to see some stunning scenery. NNL-150618-172854001

She added: “My right leg ceases up whenever I stop for a while and the swelling in my feet is only starting to go but although they’re painful, I can’t take the smile off my face as I did it and raised about £500- essential money for an essential charity.”

To make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/HelenKingAUK

Helen King, a regional manager for Banbury-based charity Adoption UK, trekked 30 miles along Hadrian's Wall last Friday and got the chance to see some stunning scenery. NNL-150618-172829001

Helen King, a regional manager for Banbury-based charity Adoption UK, trekked 30 miles along Hadrian's Wall last Friday and got the chance to see some stunning scenery. NNL-150618-172841001